A nurse is planning a staff education session regarding biological weapons of mass destruction. Which of the following should he plan to include in the session? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is: d. Brachial pulse in the right arm.

Choice A reason: Palpating the radial pulse in the right arm is not the most appropriate choice following a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. While it is contralateral to the insertion site, the brachial pulse is preferred over the radial pulse for assessing circulation in the arm, as it is more proximal and can provide a better indication of arterial flow from the catheterization site.

Choice B reason: The radial pulse in the left arm is the correct choice because it evaluates distal circulation in the affected limb. Since the catheterization was performed through the left antecubital fossa, it is crucial to monitor blood flow further down in the arm. Palpating the radial pulse helps detect early signs of compromised perfusion, such as diminished pulse strength. Evidence-based guidelines from clinical sources highlight the importance of distal pulse assessment post-catheterization.

Choice C reason: Palpating the brachial pulse in the left arm is also not recommended. Since the catheterization was performed on the left side, there is a risk of arterial occlusion or spasm, which could affect the accuracy of the pulse assessment in the left arm.

Choice D reason: The brachial pulse in the right arm does not provide relevant information about the left arm’s vascular status post-catheterization. Since the right arm was not affected by the procedure, its pulse does not indicate possible complications in the left arm. Clinical assessment should focus on detecting perfusion issues in the limb where the catheter was inserted. Best practices recommend prioritizing the evaluation of circulation in the affected extremity.

Choice A: Troponin I is a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. Troponin I is a protein that is released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged. Troponin I levels are elevated in clients who have acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is a heart atack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart. Chest pressure and shortness of breath are common signs and symptoms of AMI. Troponin I is a specific and sensitive marker of cardiac injury and can help diagnose AMI and guide treatment.

Choice B: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. AST is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidneys. AST levels are elevated in clients who have liver damage, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcohol abuse. AST levels can also be elevated in clients who have AMI, but they are not as specific or sensitive as troponin I. AST is not a reliable indicator of cardiac injury and can be influenced by other factors.

Choice C: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. BNP is a hormone that is secreted by the heart when it is stretched or overloaded. BNP levels are elevated in clients who have heart failure, which is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the

body's needs. Shortness of breath can be a sign of heart failure, but chest pressure is not. BNP is not a specific or sensitive marker of cardiac injury and can be influenced by other factors.

Choice D: Lipase is not a laboratory test that the nurse should anticipate the provider to prescribe. Lipase is an enzyme that is produced by the pancreas and helps digest fats. Lipase levels are elevated in clients who have pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Chest pressure and shortness of breath are not signs of pancreatitis. Lipase is not a specific or sensitive marker of cardiac injury and has no relation to AMI.